What is the newest medicine for COPD (and how to get it in Poland)?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease. It makes breathing difficult and affects millions of people worldwide. While treatments for COPD have been available for years, new and innovative medicines are emerging. They could offer better symptom relief and improve quality of life. One of the newest COPD medicines is Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine), approved by the FDA in the USA in June 2024 ¹.

Here’s what you need to know about the latest treatments for COPD and how you can access them in Poland, even before they are officially available.

What are the newest medicines for COPD in the world [2025]?

In recent years, pharmaceutical innovation has brought new hope for people living with COPD. Here are some of the most promising new treatments:

#1: Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine)

Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) is the newest breakthrough medicine for COPD. It is a first-in-class dual inhibitor of PDE3 and PDE4 enzymes. It helps reduce inflammation and relaxes the airways, making it easier to breathe.

Ensifentrine (Ohtuvayre) is different from other COPD treatments because it both reduces inflammation and improves airflow. Medicines like Daliresp (roflumilast) only reduce inflammation without helping with breathing and are taken as tablets, which can cause more side effects. Ensifentrine is inhaled through a nebulizer, working directly in the lungs for faster relief.

Unlike Dupixent (dupilumab), which is an injection that targets allergic inflammation, ensifentrine is inhaled and can relieve symptoms directly. This could make it a more practical option for many COPD patients needing quick, targeted treatment ².

How well does ensifentrine work for COPD?

Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) has proven effective in improving lung function in two Phase 3 trials—ENHANCE-1 and ENHANCE-2. After 12 weeks, patients taking ensifentrine saw their forced expiratory volume (FEV) increase by 61 mL and 48 mL, respectively, while FEV decreased in the placebo groups ^2,3.

Patients also reported improved quality of life and fewer symptoms, especially in ENHANCE-1. These results led to FDA approval, making ensifentrine a promising new maintenance treatment for COPD.

Based on clinical trial results, Ohtuvayre may be suitable for patients with persistent symptoms despite standard treatments. It could also be a good option for patients who prefer or require nebulized therapy.

Is ensifentrine available in Poland?

As of February 2025, not yet. Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) is currently only approved in the USA. It may take a couple of years until it is approved by the EMA and even longer until it is available in Poland.

However, this doesn't mean you cannot get ensifentrine. If your treating doctor believes it is suitable for your condition, they can prescribe it to you. With the prescription, you can get the medicine into Poland right away. Simply click below to get started.

#2: Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate)

Breztri Aerosphere is a triple-combination inhaler containing budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol. It provides anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects, reducing the frequency of COPD exacerbations.

Breztri has been approved in the USA since 2020, as well as in the EU (under the brand name Trixeo Aerosphere) ⁴  .

How well does Breztri Aerosphere work for COPD?

According to clinical trial results (the ETHOS trial in particular), Breztri Aerosphere reduced the rate of moderate to severe exacerbations by up to 24% compared to dual-combination inhalers ⁵.

The KRONOS trial confirmed sustained improvements in forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and fewer symptom flare-ups. Breztri is particularly effective for patients with frequent exacerbations and severe symptoms, offering a convenient once-daily option ⁶.

Based on its clinical trial results, Breztri Aerosphere may be a suitable option for patients who need to control frequent exacerbations and improve overall lung function.

Is Breztri Aerosphere available in Poland?

Breztri Aerosphere is approved in the EU under the brand name Trixeo Aerosphere. It is, therefore, accessible and available in Poland. If your doctor prescribes it to you, you should be able to get the medicine locally. If you're having difficulties (e.g. due to supply shortages or (temporary) unavailability), you can always reach out to our expert team. We'd be happy to provide information on options for getting Trixeo Aerosphere in Poland.

#3: Trelegy Ellipta

Another triple-combination inhaler for COPD, Trelegy Ellipta contains fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, and vilanterol. It’s a once-daily inhaler that simplifies treatment regimens and has been shown to improve lung function and reduce exacerbations ^7.

How well does Trelegy Ellipta work for COPD?
 

Trelegy Ellipta has been shown to improve breathing and reduce exacerbations in patients with advanced COPD. In the IMPACT study involving over 10,000 patients, Trelegy reduced the rate of moderate to severe exacerbations by 15% compared to vilanterol and fluticasone furoate, and by 25% compared to vilanterol and umeclidinium bromide over one year ⁸.

Is Trelegy Ellipta available in Poland?

Yes. Trelegy Ellipta has been EMA-approved since 2017, and is available in the pharmacy network within Poland.

#4: Dupixent (dupilumab)

Recently approved for COPD with type 2 inflammation, Dupixent targets IL-4 and IL-13, which play a key role in airway inflammation.

How well does Dupixent work for COPD?

In clinical trials, Dupixent (dupilumab) has shown promising results in reducing COPD exacerbations and improving lung function for adults with COPD associated with type 2 inflammation. The BOREAS and NOTUS trials demonstrated significant improvements compared to standard treatment alone, particularly for patients with elevated eosinophil levels.

Key efficacy results include:

• 30% reduction in moderate or severe COPD exacerbations compared to standard treatment.
• Improved lung function as early as 12 weeks, with sustained benefits over time ⁹.

Is Dupixent available in Poland?

Yes. Dupixent has been approved in Europe since 2017. If it has been prescribed to you, you should be able to find it in pharmacies across Poland.

How to get the newest COPD medicines before they're available in Poland?

Whether your doctor has prescribed Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) or another of the new medicines for COPD, you can access it, even if it's not available in Poland (yet).

This is possible via the Named Patient Import regulation. It allows patients to buy medicines from abroad, when the medicine:

• has been prescribed by a doctor;
• is not approved or available in the patient's country;
• has no approved and available alternative in the local country;
• is for personal use.

If you're looking to start a treatment with the newest COPD medicines, and your doctor has prescribed them, reach out to our expert team at Everyone.org. We'll help you get the best treatment, regardless of where in the world it's available.

Get in touch

References:

1. Stewart, Judith. Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) FDA Approval History. Drugs.com, 1 July 2024.
2. Clinical Trials. OHTUVAYRE (ensifentrine), Accessed 13 February 2025.
3. Verona Pharma Announces Ensifentrine Meets Primary Endpoint in Phase 3 ENHANCE-2 Trial for COPD. Verona Pharma, Accessed 13 February 2025. 
4. Breztri Aerosphere FDA Approval History. Drugs.com, 27 January 2021.
5. Triple Inhaled Therapy at Two Glucocorticoid Doses in Moderate-to-Very-Severe COPD. The New England Journal of Medicine. Accessed 13 February 2025.
6. BREZTRI Reduced Exacerbations vs Dual Therapies. Brezrtrihcp.com, Accessed 13 February 2025.
7. Trelegy Ellipta. EMA, Accessed 13 February 2025.
8. TRELEGY supports patients with COPD at risk of exacerbation. Trelegyhcp.com, Accessed 13 February 2025.
9. DUPIXENT can help improve multiple measures of COPD. Dupixenthcp.com, Accessed 13 February 2025.